Local sports figure reflects on Mandela

Nelson Mandela once said that, "Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does." His death this past week impacted far more than his native country, as his messages of equality and peace were felt worldwide. Many of us witnessed them on the news and in pictures, but one current Vermont resident lived it.

Errol Nattrass was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa. He attended the same University as the former South African president. Nattrass was also an assistant coach for the Saint Michael's women's tennis team from 2010 to 2013.

Having experienced apartheid firsthand, he witnessed the transformation of his homeland under Mandela. In a sports-hungry society where rugby ruled the national scene, Nattrass notes that events like the 1995 Rugby World Cup gave Mandela a platform to spread his message. He will return to Johannesburg this Christmas.

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